Gun primer mechanism



Kpi'il 5, 1949. C: D. KNowLToN GUN PRIMER MECHANISM 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 4, 1946 Invenfor Guile r Dfiwwlf April 5, 1949. c. D. KNOWLTON 2,466,174

'GUN PRIMER MECHANISM I Filed Fe1 o. 4, 1946 v 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 c. D. KNOWLTON GUN PRIMER MECHANISM April 5, 1949.

5 Sheeis-Sheet 3 Filed Feb. 4, 1946 C. D. KNOWLTON GUN PRIMER MECHANISM April 5, 1949.

5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 4, 1946 r m e W I C. D. KNOWLTON GUN PRIMER MECHANI SM April 5, 1949.

5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 4. 1946 I II Patented Apr. 5, 1949 UNITED STATES GUN PRIMER MECHANISM Cutler D. Knowlton, Rockport, Mass, assignor to United Shoe Machinery Corporation, Flemington, N. J a corporation of New Jersey Application February 4,

Claims.

the breech mechanism. The erosive power of 10 such gases is such that a gun would soon be rendered useless if a sealing meanswere' not made effective. However, such sealing means must afford a passage for the flame of the primer to pass through to the powder charge of the gun. 5

The invention is more especially, although not exclusively, intended for use as a primer mechanism to be mounted upon a breechblock carrier, the latter being adapted to support the breechblock in both swinging and rotative motion dur- 2 ing opening and closing of the breech. In such an installation, the breechblock is provided with an obturator (of the De Bange type) having an axial vent for the primer flame and the rear portion of the obturator vent necessarily has associated therewith a primer mechanism which is as reliable, convenient and close fitting as possible in operation. In an ordnance installation of this character a considerable force is required to urge a primer shell tightly into the tapered chamber of the supporting plug thus assuring no gas leakage. A considerable force is also required to withdraw o-r eject a spent primer shell.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved primer mechanism attachable to a vented obturator spindle in which mechanism a longitudinal motion of a slidable bolt will positively and firmly enclose a primer in position for firing without gas leakage.

Another object is to provide a primer mechanism and obturator spindle combination for ordnance in which the parts are firmly and permanently locked together despite repeated jarring during use.

Still another object is to provide a primer mechanism in which a primer may conveniently be fired by means of a pull on a movable member for actuatin the firing mechanism, the pull on the member being exerted at any angle (up to 90) with the direction of motion of the movable member. Another object is to provide a primer mechanism utilizing an axially slidable bolt with a handle for forcing home the primer and with means normally locking an associated firing mechanism,

which locking means is automatically released when the slidable bolt is placed in firing position.

' Another object is to provide a primer mechanism utilizing a bolt axially slidable in alinement with a primer and obturator vent, and an ejector,

1946, Serial No. 645,373 (01. s9 27) the bolt being actuable as a direct thrust member for forcing home the primer and the ejector being actuable upon manually withdrawin the bolt.

For the purposes in view, and in accordance with various features of the invention, the illustrated mechanism is shown in assembled association with an obturatcr spindle as carried by a breechblock carrier of conventional type. A feature of the invention consists of a cam sleeve member attachable to an obturator spindle and carrying primer firing means and a primer rim holder on a bolt axially slidable within the cam sleeve member for pressing the primer home. Another feature is the firm and what may be considered permanent joinder of the obturator spindle with the primer mechanism, the joinder means employing threaded coupling members supportin and maintaining a cylindrical cam sleeve member of the primer mechanism in definite and rigid relation to the spindle. Another feature is a flared aperture on the primer mechanism and a cam knob linked to the firing mechanism which knob is arranged to cooperate with and tilt in the fiared aperture in such a manner as to increase the angle from which the primer may be fired. Still another feature is an axially slidable bolt with a handle for forcing home the primer, the bolt carrying primer firing mechanism which is automatically unlocked only when the bolt is in firing position. Another feature is a primer mechanism provided with a sleeve member in which an axially slidable bolt is used for forcing home a primer, the primer mechanism carrying a pivoted trough-like ejector actuable upon straight-line withdrawal of the bolt from firing position.

The above and other features of the invention, including novel details of construction and combination of parts, will now be more particularly described in connection with the accompanying drawings and pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings,

Fig. 1 is a view partly in plan and partly in section of a primer mechanism embodying the present invention, the primer mechanism being illustrated as installed on a gun with a conventional breechblock obturator and the parts of the primer mechanism being shown in loading position with a primer in line with the obturator vent preparatory to being pushed lengthwise into firing position;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged plan view, partly in section, of a portion of the primer mechanism shown in Fi 1;

Fig. 3 is a section on the line III-III of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an elevational view of a portion of the mechanism shown in Fig. 2, as taken from the right, with the fixed and outer sleeves removed and a part broken away, the primer shell being shown in dot and dash lines;

Fig. 5 is a view looking in the direction of arrow V in Fig. 3 including the fixed cam sleeve but omitting the outer sliding sleeve;

Fig. 6 is a section and elevation view of the primer mechanism, showing the parts in locked position with the primer properly positioned 01 firing;

Fig. l is a development of a portion of the fixed cam sleeve and is drawn to approximately the same scale as is Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is a view in end elevation of the mechanism shown in Fig. 6 with the addition of several parts of the breechblock carrier;

Fig. 9 is a section on the line IX-IX of Fig. 6;

Fig. 10 is a View in side elevation of the sliding bolt in Fig. 9, with the position of the operating handle being indicated by a full line in open position and by dotted lines when in position for primer ejection, with the sliding or outer sleeve omitted and the fixed cam sleeve shown partially in dash lines;

Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 6 of a portion of the mechanism shown therein, with the hammer Fig. 13 is a side elevation of the pull blockand 30 sear spring;

Fig. 14 isa section on the line XIV-XIV of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a view smaller to that of Fig. 2 but with the parts as positioned immediately subsequent to ejection of a spent primer; and

Fig. 16 is a section on the line XVI-XVI of Fig. 15.

In medium or large size guns it is well known to use an obturator with a breechblock I8 and a guntube H, as shown in Fig. 1, which obturator comprises a steel mushroom head l2 against which the force of the explosion longitudinally of the gun is exerted, a resilient or elastic pad l4, split rings [5, a steel disk l6, and a spindle l8. An obturator of this type is fitted within the breechblock ID and pressure of the gases against the mushroom head I2, upon firing, compresses the elastic pad l4 and also presses the split rings H:

I5 surrounding the spindle against the walls of the bore and the spindle thus effectually preventing leakage.

As the mechanism of the invention is described herein, the terms downwardly and upwardly.

are used merely for convenience, it being assumed that medium or large size guns, for which the invention is particularly adapted, are usually fired at an angle with the vertical. Breechblocks are conventionally mounted to rotate independ- An obturator spindle l8 of this type is convenn tionally provided with a vent 20 passing through its full length, permitting passage of a flame from a primer 22 (Fig. 1, 2 and 6) to the powder charge of the gun. A sleeve 24 (Fig. 1) forms a pintle upon which the breechblock may rotate, a

and this sleeve 24 forms-a part of the breechblock carrier 25 which supports the breechblock for movement toward and away from the gun. The obturator spindle I8 is keyed at 23 to the sleeve 24, preventing the rotation of the spindle with respect thereto. A helical spring 28 serves to hold the obturator firmly in place within the breechblock ID. The spring is located in a recess in the sleeve 24 and surrounds the rear end of the spindle I8 and bears against a cylindrical coupling member 28 joined to the spindle [8 by means of right-hand threads 2|. A second cylindrical coupling member 30 is joined to the coupling member 28 by left-hand threads 32. A fixed or cylindrical cam sleeve 34 (Figs. 1, 2, 6 and 15) is provided with an end flange 38. This sleeve 34 constitutes a part of the primer mechanism generally indicated at 48 in Fig. 1. The two coupling 7 members 28 and 30 are provided with threads of opposite pitch in order that they may be turned tightly against each other and thereby press the sleeve member 34 into rigid and permanent relation against the end of the spindle l8 by means of the flange 36. A thin-walled locking cylinder 29 may surround the coupling member 28 and in order positively to lock the coupling members together the cylinder 29 is provided with fingers 3i and 33 bent into suitable recesses cut into the coupling members. The flange 38 is provided with a tab or key 31 for engaging a keyway in the end of the spindle l8 as well as in the coupling member 28 and this feature prevents relative rotation of the immediately associated parts as will further appear.

The breechblock operating mechanism herein disclosed (Fig. 1) is of conventional form and utilizes a shaft 42 rotatively mounted in the breechblock carrier 25 and provided with a flange 44 notched at one portion 46 of its circumference for engagement with a sliding block 48. In Fig. 1 the block 48 has been moved to the left and out of engagement with the flange 44 in the notch. The flange 44 is integral with the shaft 42 and also with an eccentric member 58 having a crank pin 52 rotatable in a cylindrical member 54 inserted within the breechblock ID. The sliding block 48 carries a pin or stop means 56 (movable in a slot 51 of a plate 59 forming a part of the conventional breechblock carrier 25) and is urged toward the axis of the breechblock by a spring 58. The sliding block 48 is provided with a finger 88 adjacent to the sleeve member 34. It is to be understood that the carrier 25, including the shaft 42, block 48, and cylindrical member 54 are all conventional details of a modern breech mechanism. As will be understood the finger 68 and the block 48 (of which the finger 68 is a part) may be moved to the right, that is, the left end of the block 48 may be positioned within the slot 48 only when the breechblock is properly closed. The arrangement of the parts is such that if the breechblock were not fully closed and in position for firing, the notched portion 48 would not be in alinement with the block 48 and the latter element would strike the flange 44 in the event that finger 60 were urged to the right from its position as shown in Fig. 1.

within an axial chamber 86 of the sleeve member 34 and has a reduced portion 88 (Fig. 2) threaded into a recessed portion of the spindle to bear against a soft metal or copper washer to form a gas-tight joint immediately surrounding the flame passage or vent 20. The block 64 is provided with a longitudinal passage to coincide with the vent of the spindle and this passage is en- 'larged as well as tapered at 12 to hold a primer tightly. It is to be noted that the block 64 has flattened portions 14, one of which is shown in Figs. 2 and 15, to facilitate assembly. The rear end portion of the primer block 64 is tapered to provide a conic-a1 cam surface 16 which is designed to aline with a cam surface 18 forming one side of an opening 80 in the sleeve 34 (Figs. 2 and 5). A longitudinally slidable and rotatable outer sleeve 82 is mounted on the fixed or cam sleeve 34 and is provided with a protuberance 84 as well as an eccentric cam 86, as shown in Fig. 1. The eccentric cam 86 is also shown in Fig. 8. A boss 90 is formed on the side of the outer sleeve 82 and is recessed and threaded at 92 (Fig. 6) to accommodate the exterior shell 94 of a handle generally indicated at 96. The shell 94 has aflixed within its open end a disk 98 and a rod I00 an enlarged portion I02 of which is fitted to slide Within a reduced portion of the exterior shell 94. The inner end I04 of the rod I00 is arranged to extend through the sleeve member 34 and within a recess I06 of an axially slidable bolt I I0 arranged within the sleeve 34. A coiled spring H2 is arranged within the handle 96 to hold the rod I00 to the left as viewed in Fig. 6. A knurled cylindrical member 4 is pinned at II6 to the rod I00 and bears a pin II8 an enlarged portion of which extends freely through an' opening in the disk 98.

The slidin bolt III] is provided with a flange III at one end which serves as a closure for the sleeve 82 at all times as the bolt III] and outer sleeve 82 are arranged to slide together because of the interlocking handle rod I00. At its opposite end the bolt IIO carries a primer rim holder I20. This holder has a U-shaped or dovetail slot I22 (Figs. 3 and 6) into which the rim of the primer 22 may be placed. The holder I20 is held tightly within a central recess in the bolt I I0 by means of a nut I24 threaded in the recess and bearing against a shoulder I26 (Fig. 6) of the primer rim holder, the holder being properly positioned Within the bolt IIO by a washer I30 bearing on a shoulder I32 of the bolt IIO. A primer firing pin I34 is located within a recess I36 of the holder I20 and the end of the firing pin is held flush with the bottom face of the slot I22 of the holder I20 by means of a spring I38 which acts to hold the vented flange I40 of the firing pin I34 against the washer I30. The flange I40 has one or more vents I4I formed therein. The washer I30 has an enlarged opening formed therein for the cylindrical portion I42 of the firing pin.

A vent I44 is provided in the wall of the sliding bolt IIO just beneath the washer I30 to prevent the pocketing of any gases. The bolt H0 is provided with a central bore to receive and to permit endwise or axial movement of a hammer I which is urged toward the cylindrical portion I42 of the firing pin I34 by two concentric compression springs I52 and I54. The head of the hammer I50 is vented at I55 preventing pocketing of gases.

Formed in the sliding bolt H0 in axial alinement with the handle recess I06 is a radial and cylindrical passage I56 in which is mounted a locking pin I58 having beveled ends. When the however, by means of the handle 96 the pin I58 will be moved into alinement with a passage I64 formed in the fixed sleeve 34 and having its inner end portion tapered to receive the pin I58. In this position it Will be evident that the beveled pin I58 is free to move outwardly when a pull is exerted upon the hammer I50. This outward motion is brought about by the slanted side of the groove I60 engaging the beveled inner end of the pin I58. The hammer is therefore easily unlocked and ready for operation. Upon disassembly of the parts, a pin 300 is utilized to retain the small pin I58 in the bolt III).

A longitudinal, rigid member or sleeve I10 surrounds a mid portion and one end of the hammer I50 and this member carries a fixed pin I12 to insure correct assembly therewith of a sear block I14 movable therein (see Figs. 6, 11 and 13). The sear block I14 is mounted in a transversely extending rectangular passage I15 (Fig. 13) within and. near the upper end of the longitudinal member I10. The sear member I14 is provided with a bore I11 (Fig. 14) and the hammer with a reduced portion I19 thus permitting limited radial movement of the sear member relative to the hammer I50. The bore I11 is of a diameter slightly in excess of the hammer diameter at lands IBI and I83 which are joined by the reduced portion I19. Land IBI has a flat right angular shoulder I for engaging the sear block I14 when the parts are positioned as shown in Fig. 11. An arcuate spring I16 (Fig. 14) is mounted upon the two parts I19 and I14 and tends to hold the two 40 parts out of axial alinement. The circumference of the sear block I14 is provided with conical seats I81 and I9I (Fig. 13) and part I10 has a conical seat I93. At one end of the sliding bolt IE0 is mounted a recessed outer block I18 which is threaded at I30 within the recess I82 of the bolt. The block I18 has an inner conical seat I83 and is axially bored at I95 to receive the slidable and longitudinal member I10 as well as a spring I84 mounted to press the longitudinal member I10 inwardly. As may be seen in Fig. 6, the hammer hold a cam knob I92 to the member I10 and permitting universal movement. The cam knob I92 has a flat surface I94 arranged to seat on the bottom of the recess I91 within the block I18 when the hammer I50 is in the position shown in Fig. 6. The side surface of the cam knob I32 is concaved and proportioned to coact with the flared opening or annular wall of the recess I91 in the block I18 as Will further appear. A split pin I96 is used to hold the U-shaped link I in locked relation to the cam knob I92 and the cam knob is fitted with an ear I98 to which a lanyard 200 may be fastened.

tion of the developed view as presented in Fig. '7.

At one end of the sleeve are located the flange 36 and key 31 (already described) by the use of which the priming mechanism is rigidly afiixed to the spindle I8 in rigid relation. In addition to -flanged head 234 dri 250 that is slightly reduced in diameter to receive 254. the reception of a nut 256. One end of the intermediate portion of the rod 2 shown at 258, resulting in a s '15) at opposite sides of the rod 232. The arm 252 at 280 to facilitate cleaning. At one side ofthe ejector arm and integral therewithis a cam member 282 having two cam surfaces 284 and 28B enema-'14 the opening 80 'loca't'ed in the bottom of the'sleve thre is an angular opening '2 02 to accommodate the movement of the inner :end I04 of the rod =I00 when the parts are assembled. Particular attention is directed'to the cam surface 204 at one side of the opening 202. A thirdopening 206 is formed in the top of the sleeve r34 through which primer cartridges may be individually charged and ejected. A U-shapedigroove 2fl8 is formed in the rear end of thesleeve-34 with-the open end of the gr-oove extending'to the angular slot 202. This groove holdsa U-spring member 2I0having one leg thereof 2I2 (Fig. of such lengthas to extend into the slot 202'for a purpose to be described. I

The sliding bolt IIO, as heretofore stated, is drilled at I06 to accommodatethe end IIM of the rod I00 and integral with the bolt H0 is aprojection 2I4' (Figs. 9 and 10) having a semi-circular recess 2I6 in alinement with the recess I06. The fixed sleeve 34, as seen in Fig. 9 andalso in Fig. '7, has a shoulder 220 at one side of the opening 202, this shoulder 220 constituting a stop to limit rotation of the sliding bolt IIO as it is moved to firing position. The other end'of the slot 202 constitutes a stop surface 222 (Fig. 7) for the bolt IIO when it is rotated to open position-that is, for the ejection of a spent primer and insertion of a new one.

The outer sleeve or shield 82 is provided with an integral cylindrical portion 230 (Figs. 1, 2 and in which is mounted a bolt 232 having'a lled at 236 to receive one end of a coiled spring 238 surrounding the bolt 232. The spring 238 is placed under a slight compression and is also unwound slightly, causing the -'end 240 to bear against a shoulder 242 of a flanged -'collar 246 pinned at 248 to the sleeve 82, preventing relative movement. The rod 232'has one end the arm 252 of a trough-like ejector member The reduced portion 250 isthreaded for 321s flattened, as houlder 260 (Fig.

is recessed at 262, this recess being of such width as closely to fit the flattened portion of the rod 232. With this construction the arm 252- is rigidly H affixed to the rod 232 by being pressed against the shoulders 260 when the nut 256 is tightened.

Attention is directed to the fact that the rod 232 is of such length and the other. parts are so proportioned that a slight clearance exists between the flange 234' and the end of the cylindrical. portion 230 when the primer mechanism is open-as in Fig. 2. One end of the arm 252 is provided with a finger piece 210 by means ofwhich the arm 252 may be rotated manually. The piece 210 may serve as a stop for limiting the outward swing of 'the arm 252 and it also may aid in the assembly or disassembly of the parts, it thenbeing desirable to hold arm 252 out of the way.

The trough in the ejector arm 252is's10tted which intersect, as shown in Fig. 4. One end or side of the ejector arm 252 is curved upwardly and rearwardly to form a cam surface 290. The rear face of the arm 252 bears a curved shoulder 292 (Fig. 4) formed to engage the exposed bottom surface of the primer rim'holder I when i the primer trough is in a position of alinement with the obturator vent 20 and the passage in the" block (Fig-'3). This shoulder 2 92.isnf:a width which i is slightly less than that .of the maximum clearance between the head 234 of, the bolt .232 and the end of the spring .casing orcylindrical portion 230.

-0n the interior wall of the fixed sleeve 34 and in position to be contactedby the cam member 282 are two camtsurfaces 294 and 296 (Figs-3 and5).

Assuming that the breechblock' I 0 is fullyclosed, aigunner may placela primer throughthe opening 206 of the fixed sleeve34 and Within the trough of the ejector with the. primor rim withinithe rim holder I20. The trough, being .in its uppermost positionas shown in Fig. 16, maybe pushed down until the =shoulder292 slips underthe rim holder I 20because of the action of cam 282 (Fig. 5) when its lower surface 286 slidesdown fixed cam surface 294. Duringsuch cam. action the trough and. arm 290 move forwardly with relation. to the rim hold-er I20 andthexouter sleeve 82 because of theyielding action of thecoil spring 238whichuncoils slightly and compresses axially until the shoulder .of .flanged head 2341s stopped'by the cylindrical spring'enclosing portion 230. A further downward motion of the trough arm 290 moves the outer sleeve 82 and the sliding bolt I I0 (movable together because of end lMof handle rod I00) rearwardly toclefiect the spring end 2I2 rearwardly and away from the forward wall of the fixed groove 208 in which the spring 2I0 is retained (Fig. 15). Whenthe shoulder 292 has swung down. and into "position to slip beneath the rim holder I 20, spring end 2| 2 urges rod end I04 forwardly carrying the outer sleeve 82 and sliding bolt IIO with it. The compression of coil spring 238 issimultaneously released and the shoulder 292 of the ejector trough is latched beneath the primer. rim. holder I20 in the=position shown in Figs. 2 and 3. It is to be understood that during the above referred to latching operation of the primer trough the -handle"96 will lie in 'aplane inclined ata slight angle to the horizontal end including the line marked Open in Fig. 8.

In order to ram the primer 22 home, thatis, -'within the chamber I2, the gunner first pushes the handle-96 forwardly (toward the gun tube II) until rod-end I04 strikes the camsurface 2040f thefixed sleeve angular slot-.202. As heretofore stated, the outer sleeve- 84 and the sliding bolt I I0 will move axially with relation to the fixed sleeve 34. The longitudinal leg of angularslot 202 is of sumcient length to permit the required. forward motion of bolt H0. -During this movement the :ejector arm 252 is swung downwardly and out of the way by its cam surface 290- striking the cam surfaces IB-andl-B. the arm 252 assuming the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3. This motion stores potential energy. in spring 238 for subsequent spent. primerejectment. As the handle 06 swings downwardly (the forward .movement is changed to a subsequent downward movement by thecontact of rod end I04 with the camrsurface 204) the primer is given a twist or slight rotation. It is pushed home by acontinuedforward and downward pushexerted 'on the handle until the latter reaches its extreme forward position which is the stop or lo'ckedposition asshown in Figs; 6, 8 and 9. The fixed sleeve is of relatively heavy construction and the annular. leg of the angular slot .202 is of: such width" as snugly to receive the rod: end-404 and hold the bolt I I0in its 'firing or --batteryposition, as shown in Figsufi, 9 and 11. If the breechblock is :not' properly closed, the gunner will-be unable topush the handle the full forward distance asthe protuberance 84 will strike the finger 60 and the block 48 will strike flange 44. If the breechblock is properly closed, the block 48 will slide within the notch 46 as protuberance 84 pushes the finger to the right. The eccentric cam 86 serves to retain the block 48 in the notch 46 while the primer mechanism is being turned and placed in firing position.

The primer is now ready for firing. Any angular and outward pull on the lanyard 200 will cause the cam knob I92 to tilt on the flared mouth of the member I18. This will result in a longitudinal outward pull on the member I10 as Well as on the hammer I50. The square shoulder I85 of the hammer will be contacted by the sear block I14 thus causing the pull on the hammer and also the compression of springs I52, I54 of the hammer and spring I84 about member I10. The sear block I14 will first be urged toward a central position by its conical surface I8! engaging the conical seat I89 on member H8 and a portion of the block I14 will enter the bore I95. A further pull on the lanyard will cause conical surface I9I to engage the conical seat I 89 and thereby place bore I86 and bore I 11 in alinement. This relation of the parts Will terminate engagement of the shoulder I85 with the edge of the sear block, and the hammer I50 will be released to strike the cylindrical portion I42 of the firing pin I534. The surfaces I9I and I93 are so related in position that the hammer will be released slightly before surface I93 comes to a positive stop on the conical seat I89.

The primer being fired, the handle 95 is swung upwardly and then rearwardly. Cam surface 204 on sleeve 34 aids in initially jarring the spent primer loose and also initiates its Withdrawal rearwardly. A continued pull on the handle 96 rearwardly will permit spring 238 to swing the ejector arm 252 upwardly and a further continuation of the rearward pull on the handle 96 will result in the moving cam surface 286 (Fig. striking the fixed cam surface 294. The striking together of these two surfaces has two effects. It gives an added impetus to the upward swing of the ejector trough, sending the trough to its uppermost position as shown in Fig. 16 thus ejecting the spent primer forcibly. Its other efiect is to retard slightly the rearward motion of the ejector arm 252 and rod 232 with respect to the rearwardly sliding bolt I I0 and primer rim-holder I20-i. e.spring 238 will yield slightly until the head 234 of bolt 232 contacts the portion 230 of shield 32 (Fig. 15) and spring end 2I2 (Fig. will yield slightly (as permitted by the width of its groove 208) thereby causing the primer rim holder I24) to travel rearwardly a short distance beyond the shoulder 292 of the ejector arm (Fig. In the event that the ejector arm does not swing upwardiy in the proper manner, the moving cam member 282 will be too low as the handle 96 is pulled back. As a consequence moving cam surface 284 will strike fixed cam surface 296 and swing the ejector arm down again. This feature prevents possible breakage of the parts. Premature ejectment of a spent primer (before the primer 22 has cleared the block 64) is precluded as the engagement of cam surfaces 299 and I8 prevents the arm 252 from rising until the proper time. The cam member 282 and also the coacting cam. surfaces 294 and 298 are not essential for proper operation of the primer mechanism but their provision is preferred in order that ejectment be made positive. It should be understood, however, that ejectment by spring action alone may satisfactorily be carried out. The gunner is enabled by the present mechanism to reciprocate the handle 96 until ejectment is carried out. After ejectment the momentary deflection of spring end 2I2 partially disappears and the sliding bolt |I0 as well as the primer rim holder I20 are simultaneously pushed forwardly and the latter engages or abuts the ejector arm 252 below the shoulder 292 as shown in Figs. 15 and 16. The deflection remaining of the spring end 2I2 furnishes sufiicient force to maintain the ejector trough and rim holder I20 in contact as in Figs. 15 and 16. The mechanism is then in readiness for latching of the primer trough and the insertion of a fresh primer as set forth above.

The only change which preferably should be made to the conventional obturator spindle in contemplation of the use of the present primer mechanism is the cutting of a keyway therein to receive the tab 37 of the sleeve member 34.

In assembling the primer mechanism 40 on the obturator spindle I8, the coupling member 28 is first screwed on by hand, the right-hand threads 2| conventionally being made with a substantial amount of clearance or looseness. When the keyway out in the member 28 is properly alined with the keyway in the spindle I8, the primer mechanism is placed in position with the tab 3'! preventing any relative rotation of the member 28 in excess of the clearance at the sides of tab 37. However, all relative rotation should be eliminated in order to secure a firm and permanent joinder of the parts despite repeated and violent jarring due to firing of the gun or extreme violence in the use of the handle 96. With this purpose in mind, coupling member 30 was provided with threads to the opposite hand (left-hand threads) and when member 30 is turned to the left and tightened, member 28 will unscrew slightly (to the extent of the clearance at one side of tab 31). Repeated jarring cannot loosen member 28 as it has already been unscrewed the maximum amount permissible by the tab 31 clearances.

It is to be noted that the primer mechanism is constructed for permanent attachment to the breechblock mechanism and obturator. No parts need be detached and be subjected to possible loss or fouling between rounds. The necessity for small tolerances in thread manufacture is alleviated by the use of the present means of joinder between the obturator spindle and the primer mechanism. Direct end thrust and pull on the primer is used in the handling thereof. The pull on the lanyard may be in divers directions and be adequate for firing.

In addition to these advantages, the primer mechanism may be easily disassembled for replacement or repair. The end I04 of rod I00 may be pulled out from bore I06 in the sliding bolt H9 against spring II 2 by pulling on the knurled knob H4 and turning the same so that pin II8 will abut the plate 98. The sliding bolt H0 may then be pulled out axially and replaced or repaired, or, if desired, the sleeve 82 with its associated parts may be slipped oh? the sleeve member 34 without removing the bolt 0.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A primer mechanism for ordnance including a cam sleeve member attachableto the rear end of a vented obturator spindle, a slidable bolt mounted within the cam sleeve member carrying primer firing means and a primer rim holder, and a handle protruding through the said sleeve member from said slidable bolt whereby manual move- 11' ment of the handle with respect to the sleeve member may effect a cammed movement of the rim holder toward the vent in the obturator spindle.

2. A primer mechanism and obturator spindle combination for ordnance, said combination including a sleeve member of said primer mechanism having a flange and being keyed to said spindle, a first cylindrical portion threaded to'the end of the said spindle with threads of one hand, and a second cylindrical portion threaded to the first cylindrical portion with threads of the opposite hand, the second cylindrical portion bearing against the said flange and holding the spindle and sleeve in abutting relation.

3; A primer mechanism and vented obturator spindle combination for ordnance, said combin ation including a sleeve member of said primer mechanism having a flange and being keyed to said spindle, means employing saidfiange for holding the spindle and sleeve member together in abutting relation, and a primer supporting plug extending within said sleeve member and screwed into said spindle against a tight metallic seat and in alinement with the spindle vent.

4'. Thecombination of a primer mechanism and vented obturator spindle, said combination including a flanged sleeve member of said primer mechanism, the end of said sleeve member being locked against the end of the spindle in rigid relation and keyed thereto, the locking means including two coacting coupling members with threads of opposite pitch, the flange of said sleeve member being tightly held between said coupling members, and a primer supporting plug extending from within said sleeve member to a metallic seat within said spindle.

5. A primer mechanism for ordnance including a firing mechanism actuable by a pull on a longitudinal member extending from withinthe primer mechanism, the exterior end of said longitudinal member being axially movable within a recess on the primer mechanism, a flared aperture to said recess, a cam knob within said recess having a concave surface contacting the primer mechanism at the flared aperture, a universal connection between the exterior end of the longitudinal member and the cam knob, and means on said cam knob for exerting a pull thereon.

6. A primer mechanism for ordnance including a firing mechanism actuable by an outward. pull on a longitudinal rigid member extending and axially slidable from within the primer mechanism, a cam knob universally linked to said longitudinal rigid member and having a concave side adapted to bear against the fiared annular wall of an exterior portion of the primer mechanism for cam action therewith when the cam knob is subjected to a pull in a direction angular to the axis of the longitudinal rigid member.

7. A primer mechanism for ordnance including a sleeve member attachable to the rear end of a vented obturator spindle, a slidable bolt mounted within the sleeve member carrying primer firing means, a handle protruding through the sleeve member from said slidable bolt whereby manual movement of the handle with respect to the sleeve member may effect movement of the slidable bolt to firing position, and means normally locking said primer firing means relative to said sleeve member but automatically released when said slidable bolt is placed in said firing position.

8. A primer mechanism for ordnance including a cam sleeve member attachable to the end of a vented obturator spindle, an axially slidable bolt mounted within the cam sleeve member and car'- rying primer firing meanstogether with a primer rim holder, an outer sleeve member axially slidable on the cam sleeve member and connected to the slidable bolt for movement therewith, an opening through the side wall of the cam sleeve member, a trough-like ejector pivoted to the outer sleeve member and spring-biased to swing through said opening into alinement with the spindle vent when the bolt and outer sleeve member are moved rearwardly, and a cam surface on said cam sleeve member for acting against the ejector to swing it outwardly when the bolt and outer sleeve member are moved forwardly.

9. A primer mechanism for ordnance including a cylindrical sleeve member attachable to the end of a vented obturator spindle, an axially slidable bolt mounted within the cylindrical sleeve member and carrying primer firing means, an opening throughthe side wall of the cylindrical sleeve member, a trough-like ejector pivoted to an outer sleeve longitudinally slidable with said bolt, said ejector being spring-biased to swing through said opening and beyond a position of alinement with the obturator vent for ejecting a spent primer when the outer sleeve is moved rearwardly, and spring means arranged to latch the ejector in said position of alinement when said ejector is manually placed therein.

10. The combination of a primer mechanism and a vented obturator spindle, said primer mechanism including a cam sleeve member locked against the end of the spindle in rigid relation and keyed thereto, a primer supporting plug extending from within said cam sleeve member to a metallic seat within said spindle, a slidable bolt mounted. within the cam sleeve member carrying primer firing means and a primer rim holder, a handle protruding through the said sleeve member from said slidable bolt whereby manual movement of the handle with respect to the cam sleeve member may eifect a cammed movement of the rim holder toward the primer supporting plug, an opening through the side wall of the cam sleeve member, a trough-like ejector pivoted on an outer sleeve member which is rotatable on the cam sleeve member, said ejector being springbiased to swing through said opening into alinement with the spindle vent when the bolt and handle are moved rearwardly, and a cam surface on said cam sleeve member for acting against the ejector to swing it outwardly when the bolt and handle are moved forwardly.

CUTLER D. KNOWLTON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 705,157 Stockett July 22, 1902 821,379 Rockwood May 22, 1906 958,642 Holmstrom et a1. "-1 May 17, 1910 958,660 Meigs et a1 May 17, 1910 1,024,560 Dale Apr. 30, 1912 1,122,422 Ross Dec. 29, 1914 1,228,733 Aebli June 5, 1917' 1,412,469 Jimerson Apr. 11, 1922 1,483,173 Gordon Feb. 12, 1924 2,226,826 Miller Dec. 31, 1940 2,366,758 Summerbell Jan. 9, 1945 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 1.390 Great Britain 1900 

